Liquid crystal display

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix array; a plurality of gate lines applying a same gate signal to at least two rows of the pixels; a plurality of data lines crossing the gate lines; a TFT disposed at an intersection of each gate line and each data line; and a light source part sequentially providing at least two colors of light to each pixel every frame, thus enhancing a charging rate of each.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.2005-0071332, filed on Aug. 4, 2005 and all the benefits accruingtherefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, and the contents of which in itsentirety are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), andmore particularly, to a liquid crystal display, which is driven by afield sequential color (“FSC”) method or a color sequential display(“CSD”) method.

2. Description of the Related Art

An LCD comprises an LCD panel comprising a thin film transistor (“TFT”)substrate on which TFTs are formed, a color filter substrate on whichcolor filters are formed, and a liquid crystal layer interposed betweenboth substrates.

Generally, a conventional LCD comprises a color filter layer composed ofthree colors such as red (“R”), green (“G”) and blue (“B”), and may alsobe primary colors. The color filter layer controls the transmittance oflight passing through the color filter layer, thereby displaying arequired color.

Recently, an LCD has been created using an FSC method. The FSC methodilluminates independent R, G and B light sources sequentially andperiodically, and transmits a color signal corresponding to each pixelwith a synchronization with the lighting period, thereby producing afull color image. This FSC method has advantages of enhancing anaperture ratio and a yield since a pixel is not divided into subpixelsand reducing the number of driving circuits, which is needed for eachsubpixel, by one-third.

In this FSC method, the three light sources are sequentially illuminatedto form one frame. Therefore, the FSC method requires a frequency threetimes higher than that of the conventional driving method. With the FSCmethod, the term frequency means how many times the frames are refreshedin one second. As the display apparatuses become larger, the number ofgate lines increases, yet a gate on time decreases. The gate on timerepresents how long a gate on voltage is applied to one gate line.Therefore, the gate on time is the reciprocal of the product of thefrequency and the number of the gate lines. As the gate on timedecreases, a data signal is not sufficiently applied to the pixel. Thiscauses a charging rate within the pixel electrode to decrease andquality of the display apparatus to deteriorate. Further, the area of apixel charged by one TFT increases since one pixel is not divided intothree subpixels, thereby reducing the charging rate.

Accordingly, methods have been discussed including using low-resistancewire, increasing an area of the TFT or making a thickness of a gateinsulating layer thinner in order to prevent reduction of the chargingrate, yet a need for enhancement of the charging rate still remains.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide an LCDof which charging rate of a pixel is enhanced.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are achievedby an exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus including: a pluralityof pixels arranged in a matrix array; a plurality of gate lines applyinga same gate signal to at least two rows of pixels; a data line crossingthe gate lines; a TFT disposed at an intersection of one of the gatelines and the data line; and a light source part sequentially providingat least two colors of light to the pixel every frame.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theplurality of gate lines applying the same gate signal to the pixels areconnected to one another.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, threerows of the pixels are applied with the same gate signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, aplurality of data lines are provided in one pixel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thenumber of the data lines in one pixel is the number of the pixelsapplied with the same gate signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at leastone of the adjacent pixels in a column direction applied with the samegate signal is connected to a different data line from the others.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theadjacent pixels in a column direction applied with the same gate signalare connected to different data lines from one another.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at leasta portion of each the pixels comprises a plurality of TFTs.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the TFTsare connected to the same data lines.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the TFTis provided in two.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the TFTsare disposed symmetrically across each data line.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each ofthe pixels comprises a pixel electrode and the data line passes throughthe pixel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dataline partially overlaps the pixel electrode.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dataline connected to one pixel does not overlap the pixel electrode.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pixelfurther comprises at least one or more bridge electrodes, the bridgeelectrodes connect the pixel electrodes, which are separated from eachother across the data line.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pixelcomprises a pixel electrode and the gate line passes through the pixel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pixelcomprises four TFTs.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the TFTsare disposed symmetrically across one of the gate lines and the dataline.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one ofthe gates line partly overlaps the pixel electrode.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one ofthe gate lines does not overlap the pixel electrode.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each ofthe pixels further comprises at least one or more bridge electrodes toconnect the pixel electrodes, which are separated from each other acrossthe gate line.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thedisplay apparatus further comprises an organic layer formed between thedata line and the pixel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lightis three-color light and the three colors comprise red, green and blue.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a firstdata line, a second data line and a third data line are sequentiallyprovided in one pixel in a row direction, and the adjacent pixels in acolumn direction are sequentially connected to the first, the second andthe third data lines.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thedisplay apparatus further comprises a data driver applying a data signalto the data line and a controller controlling the data driver, whereinthe controller controls the data driver so that different polarities ofthe data signals are applied to the adjacent data lines in a rowdirection.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a firstdata line, a second data line and a third data line are sequentiallyprovided in one pixel in a row direction, and the adjacent pixels in acolumn direction are sequentially connected to the first, the third andthe second data lines.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thedisplay apparatus further comprises a data driver applying a data signalto the data line and a controller controlling the data driver, whereinthe controller controls the data driver so that different polarities ofthe data signals are applied to the adjacent data lines in a rowdirection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent and more readily appreciated from the followingdetailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of an LCD showingan arrangement of a plurality of pixels according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment ofthe LCD of FIG. 1 according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a plurality of pixels ofa second exemplary embodiment of an LCD according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4A is a plan view showing an arrangement of a plurality of pixelsof a third exemplary embodiment of an LCD according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged partial plan view showing an arrangement of twoTFTs connected to a third data line of single pixel in accordance withthe third exemplary embodiment of an LCD according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a plurality of pixels ofa fourth exemplary embodiment of an LCD according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A is a plan view showing an arrangement of a plurality of pixelsof a fifth exemplary embodiment of an LCD according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged partial plan view showing an arrangement of twoTFTs connected to a third data line of single pixel in accordance withthe fifth exemplary embodiment of an LCD according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a plurality of pixels ofa sixth exemplary embodiment of an LCD according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating how to drive the first exemplaryembodiment of the LCD of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the presentinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating how to drive a seventh exemplaryembodiment of an LCD according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the attached drawings. The present invention may,however, be embodied in different forms and thus the present inventionshould not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodimentsset forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

In the drawings, the thickness of the layers, films, and regions areexaggerated for clarity. When an element such as a layer, film, region,or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can bedirectly on the other element or intervening elements may also bepresent. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms areonly used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus,a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed belowcould be termed a second element, component, region, layer or sectionwithout departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference tocross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed aslimited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but areto include deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as arectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or agradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binarychange from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried regionformed by implantation may result in some implantation in the regionbetween the buried region and the surface through which the implantationtakes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematicin nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actualshape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

In the following exemplary embodiments of the present invention, adisplay apparatus will be described with an LCD as an example, but it isnot limited to an LCD. Other display apparatuses incorporated into theLCDs of the exemplary embodiments described herein would also be withinthe scope of these exemplary embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, an LCD comprises a plurality of data lines 20, agate line 10 crossing the data line 20 to form a pixel 50 arranged in amatrix array and a TFT 30 disposed at an intersection of the gate line10 and the data line 20. Also, the LCD further comprises a gate driverand a data driver (both not shown), which are driving parts to apply acontrol signal and an image signal to the gate line 10 and the data line20, respectively.

The pixel 50 is arranged in a matrix array and formed of a pixelelectrode such as indium tin oxide (ITO), for example, in the exemplaryembodiment. Namely, the pixel 50 is one square which is formed by onegate line 10 and three data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, i.e., a dot todisplay one color. The pixel electrode is a transparent electrodeforming the pixel 50.

Three gate lines 10 a, 10 b, 10 c are connected with one another attheir ends. Therefore, a single gate signal supplied by the gate driveris applied to the three gate lines 10 a, 10 b, 10 c at the same time.With this configuration, three rows of pixels, as illustrated in FIG. 1,are driven for one gate on time.

In a conventional LCD, the gate signal supplied by a gate driver isapplied to only one gate line at a time, thereby driving only one row ofpixels. Unlike the conventional driving method, in an FSC drivingmethod, red, green and blue lights are sequentially radiated for formingone frame. In other words, the number of the gate signals has to be atleast three times as much as a frequency recognized by a user to formone frame in the FSC driving. For example, the actual frequency for theFSC driving method has to be higher than 180 Hz so that the userconsiders the image to be 60 Hz. Accordingly, the gate on time for adisplay apparatus having a 1280*1024 resolution and an apparentfrequency of 60 Hz equals 1/(the apparent frequency*the number of thegate lines*3), i.e. 1/(60*1024*3)=5.425 μs.

However, when a gate signal is applied simultaneously to the three gatelines 10 a, 10 b, 10 c connected with one another, the gate on timebecomes 16.275 μs, which is three times as long as the conventional gateon time. As the gate on time increases, a time for charging data signalsin the pixel 50 is also prolonged, thereby improving a charging rate inthe pixel. Further, since passages connecting the gate drivers and thegate lines 10 are decreased by one-third, the number of the gate padsand the gate drivers is also decreased by one-third.

Although three gate lines 10 are connected at their ends in theexemplary embodiment, four gate lines or more may be connected with oneanother. Since the display apparatus adopting an impulsive drivingmethod, producing a black image between the frames, should be driventwice as fast as the conventional display apparatus, the impulsivedriving display apparatus can also employ the above configuration of thepresent invention that applies one gate signal simultaneously to themultiple gate lines.

The data line 20 crosses the gate line 10 to form the pixel 50 arrangedin the matrix array. The data line 20 comprises three data lines 20 a,20 b, 20 c which are connected to each pixel 50 supplied with the samegate signal. One pixel 50 is a square shape of which a side is d1 inlength. Two data lines 20 b, 20 c are arranged at a one-third positionof the d1 and at a two-thirds position of the d1, respectively, whilepassing through the pixels 50. One data line 20 a is disposed outsideone side of the pixel 50. Accordingly, one side of the pixel 50 isdivided by the three data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c into three portions ofwhich each portion is d2 in length.

The adjacent pixels 50 in the column direction are connected with thethree data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, one by one. Since the same gatesignal is applied to three rows of the pixels 50, the above arrangementfor the data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c is required to apply different datasignals to the adjacent pixels 50 in a column direction. The TFTsarranged at intersections of the three gate lines 10 a, 10 b, 10 c andthe three data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c are connected with the pixels 50one by one so that the same data signals are not applied to the adjacentpixels 50 in a column direction. A data signal delivered from the firstdata line 20 a is applied to a first row, first column pixel 50 drivenby the first gate line 10 a, a data signal delivered from the seconddata line 20 b is applied to a second row, second column pixel 50 drivenby the second gate line 10 b, and the a data signal delivered from thethird data line 20 c is applied to a third row, third column pixel 50driven by the third gate line 10 c. Accordingly, different data signalsare applied to each of the pixels 50.

The number of the data lines 20 disposed in one pixel 50 corresponds tothe number of rows of pixels 50 where the same gate signal is applied,i.e., the number of the gate lines connected with one another at theirends. Therefore, the number of the gate lines 10 connected with oneanother is proportional to the number of the data lines 20 disposed inone pixel 50. As described before, more than three gate lines 10 may beconnected with one another, therefore more than three data lines 20 maybe disposed in one pixel 50. Since color filters are not used in the FSCdriving method, one pixel 50 is three times larger than that of theconventional LCD. Accordingly, disposing three data lines 20 in onepixel 50 does not make a big difference in an aperture ratio.

The TFT 30 delivers the gate signal supplied from the gate line 10 andthe data signal supplied from the data line 20 to the pixel 50. As shownin FIG. 1, the adjacent TFTs 30 arranged in a column direction areconnected to different data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c. Such an arrangementof the TFTs 30 allows the adjacent pixels 50 arranged in a columndirection to be connected to different data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c,respectively. Accordingly, the adjacent pixels 50 arranged in a columndirection are supplied with different data signals.

Generally, an inorganic passivation layer (not shown) is disposedbetween the data line 20 and the pixel 50, e.g., between a data metallayer comprising the data line 20 and the pixel electrode comprising thepixel 50. When metal layers are deposited in succession, a predeterminedcapacitance may be generated between the metal layers. This causescross-talk such that data signals interfere with each other, whichincreases when a plurality of data lines 20 are disposed in one pixel50. Accordingly, an organic layer may further be disposed between thedata line 20 and the pixel 50 in addition to the inorganic passivationlayer.

Referring to FIG. 2, the LCD comprises an LCD panel comprising a firstsubstrate 100, a second substrate 200 and a liquid crystal layer 300interposed between both substrates 100, 200, a light source part 500disposed in the rear of the LCD panel to provide light to the LCD panel,a light control member 400, and a chassis 600 supporting andaccommodating the LCD panel and the light source part 500.

The LCD panel comprises the first substrate 100 on which the pixel 50and the TFT 30 are formed, the second substrate 200 facing the firstsubstrate 100 and comprising a black matrix, a white filter and a commonelectrode, a sealant adhering both substrates 100, 200 to form a cellgap, and the liquid crystal layer 300 disposed between both substrates100, 200 and the sealant. The LCD panel adjusts an arrangement of theliquid crystal layer 300 to form an image. However, the LCD panel doesnot emit light by itself, therefore a light source such as a lightemitting diode (LED) 520 is provided in the rear of the LCD panel toprovide light. A driving part is disposed in one side of the firstsubstrate 100 to apply a driving signal. The driving part comprises aflexible printed circuit (“FPC”) 110, a driving chip 120 mounted on theFPC 110 and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 130 connected to one side ofthe FPC 110. The driving part shown in FIG. 2 is a chip on film (“COF”)type. However, any well-known type, such as a tape carrier package(“TCP”), chip on glass (“COG”), or the like, is available as the drivingpart. Also, the driving part may be formed on the first substrate 100while lines 10 and 20 are formed.

The light control member 400 disposed in the rear of the LCD panelcomprises a diffusion plate 410, a prism film 420 and a protection film430.

The diffusion plate 410 comprises a base plate and a coating layerhaving beads formed on the base plate. The diffusion plate 410 diffuseslight provided from the LED 520, thereby improving the uniformity of thebrightness.

Triangular prisms are formed on the prism film 420 at a predeterminedalignment. The prism film 420 concentrates the light diffused from thediffusion plate 410 in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the LCDpanel. Typically, two prism films 420 are used and micro prisms formedon each of the prism films 420 make a predetermined angle with eachother. Most of the light passing through the prism film 420 continuesvertically, thereby providing uniform brightness distribution. Ifnecessary, a reflective polarizing film may be used along with the prismfilm 420, or only the reflective polarizing film may be used without theprism film 420.

The protection film 430 disposed at the top of the light control member400 protects the prism film 420, which is vulnerable to scratching.

A reflecting plate 530 is disposed on a portion of an LED circuit 510where the LED 520 is not mounted. An LED through hole is disposed in thereflecting plate 530 corresponding to the arrangement of the LED 520.

The LED 520, comprising a chip (not shown) to generate light, isconfigured with an elevation higher than the reflecting plate 530. Thereflecting plate 530 reflects the light delivered downward and directsthe reflected light to the diffusion plate 410. The reflecting plate 530may comprise, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polycarbonate(PC), and/or be coated with silver (Ag) or aluminum (Al). In addition,the reflecting plate 530 is formed with a sufficient thickness so as toprevent distortion or shrinkage due to heat generated from the LED 520.

The LED 520 is mounted on the LED circuit board 510 and disposed acrossan entire rear surface of the LCD panel. The LED 520 comprises a redLED, a blue LED and a green LED, and provides each color of three lightssequentially to the LCD panel every frame.

The light source part 500 may be either a direct type such that thelight source part is disposed in the rear of the LCD panel to providelight or an edge type such that the light source part is disposed at alateral side of the LCD panel to provide light. The direct type lightsource is used in the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the pixel arrangement of a second exemplaryembodiment of an LCD according to the present invention. The secondexemplary embodiment of the LCD has the same configuration as the firstexemplary embodiment of the LCD except for a TFT 30 disposed in thepixels 50.

In an FSC method LCD, a width/length (“W/L”) ratio of a TFT has to beincreased three times more than in the conventional LCD so as to improvea charging rate. However, a short-circuit may be caused between channelsas a length of a channel lengthens, and Cgs may increase, therebyincreasing a kick-back voltage. Accordingly, additional TFTs 30 aredisposed with the data line 20 in parallel in the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 3. Therefore, the overall length of the channel lengthens,thereby enhancing the charging rate. Further, extra or redundant TFTsare provided, which may replace a corresponding defective one, therebyreducing defectiveness of the pixel 50.

As shown in FIG. 3, two TFTs 30 a, 30 b are connected to each of thedata lines 20 b, 20 c passing through the pixel 50, respectively. Thetwo TFTs 30 a, 30 b are applied with the same data signal to apply toone pixel 50, therefore the charging rate of the pixel 50 is moreimproved compared to a pixel 50 provided with a single TFT.

FIG. 4A is a drawing showing an arrangement of a plurality of pixels ofa third exemplary embodiment of an LCD according to the presentinvention.

Unlike a second row of the pixel 50 and a third row of the pixel 50illustrated in FIG. 3, which comprise two TFTs 30 a, 30 b, a first rowof the pixel 50 connected to a data line 20 a disposed outside one sideof the pixel 50 cannot comprise two TFTs in the second exemplaryembodiment. Thus, if each of the pixels 50 comprises different numbersof TFTs and thus the data signals are applied under differentconditions, the charging rate may vary, thereby not displayingappropriate images. However, the third exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4Aillustrates the pixel 50, which improves on this disadvantage noted withrespect to the second exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 4A, each pixel 50 comprises a gate line 10, three datalines 21 a, 21 b, 21 c and two TFTs 30 a, 30 b. If one pixel 50 isdivided into three areas, each corresponding data line 21 a, 21 b, 21 cpasses through the middle of each respective area. In other words, eachof the data lines 21 a, 21 b, 21 c is disposed in the middle of eacharea having a side length of d2, and two TFTs 30 a, 30 b are connectedto each of the data lines 21 a, 21 b, 21 c and disposed symmetricallyacross the data lines 21 a, 21 b, 21 c. This not only solves thedisadvantage that all of the pixels 50 do not comprise the same numberof TFTs, but also improves the charging rate of the pixel 50 arranged inthe first row.

The TFTs 30 a, 30 b connected to the third data line 21 c will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. The two TFTs 30a, 30 b have the same design and are disposed symmetrically across thedata line 21 c. The TFT 30 comprises a gate electrode 31, which is aportion of the gate line 10 c, a drain electrode 33 branched from thedata line 20 c and having a “U” shape and a source electrode 35separated from the drain electrode 33 to be connected to the pixel 50. Asemiconductor layer 37 is formed on the gate electrode 31 and transmitsa data signal from the drain electrode 33 to the source electrode 35according to a gate signal applied to the gate electrode 31. The sourceelectrode 35 is electrically and physically connected to the pixel 50through a contact hole.

If a scanning direction I of an exposure machine used for forming thegate line 10 and the data line 20 is in a column direction,mis-alignment of the lines 10, 20 may be generated possibly in a rowdirection II normal or perpendicular to the scanning direction I. Ifpositions of the drain electrode 33 and the source electrode 35 arechanged due to the mis-alignment of the lines 10, 20, variation of Cgsbetween the TFTs 30 a, 30 b may vary. Thus, a plurality of TFTs 30 areprovided in the row direction II to thereby make up for any variation ofCgs if mis-alignment of the lines 10, 20 is generated. Accordingly, itis preferable that a channel having a “U” shape is formed in the row orhorizontal direction II substantially normal to the scanning direction Iof the exposure machine so as to make up for the variation of Cgs due tothe mis-alignment of the lines.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of a pixel accordingto the present invention. Unlike the pixel 50 described before, a pixelelectrode 40 is not the same as a pixel 50 in the previous describedexemplary embodiment. The pixel electrode 40 is comprised of the pixel50 and is divided into four areas 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d by a data line21. The data lines 21 a, 21 b, 21 c partly overlap the pixel electrode40 and bridge electrodes 41 a, 41 b, 41 c are formed between the pixelelectrodes 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d.

The bridge electrodes 41 a, 41 b, 41 c are formed of the sametransparent electrode as the pixel electrode 40 and may be disposed onone data line 21 in plural.

Except for the bridge electrodes 41 a, 41 b, 41 c on the data lines 21a, 21 b, 21 c, the bridge electrodes 41 a, 41 b, 41 c are not formed onthe pixel electrode 40, thereby reducing load generated in the datalines 21 a, 21 b, 21 c. If the load generated in the data line 21 isreduced, an aperture ratio is decreased, yet the charging rate isincreased due to the decrease of Cgs.

In another exemplary embodiment, the data line 21 connected to the pixel50, e.g., a first data line 21 a connected to the first pixel 50 may notoverlap the pixel electrode 40. This means that the bridge electrode 41a may not be formed on the data line 21 a to connect the two pixelelectrodes 40 a, 40 b, because the data signal may be applied by theTFTs 30 a, 30 b connected to the data line 21 a although the pixelelectrodes 40 a, 40 b are not connected.

FIG. 6A is a drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of a pixelaccording to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A, a gate line 11passes through a pixel 50 and four TFTs 30 c, 30 d, 30 e, 30 f that aredisposed in one pixel 50. The TFTs 30 c, 30 d, 30 e, 30 f are disposedsymmetrically across a gate line 11 and a data line 21. As the number ofTFTs increases, the length of all channels becomes longer, therebyimproving a charging rate.

Referring to FIG. 6B showing the enlarged TFT 30 connected to data line21 c, the channel of the exemplary embodiment is formed in a differentshape from that of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Thechannel of the exemplary embodiment has a “U” shape, which is parallelwith the column direction contrary to that illustrated in the thirdembodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B. If a scanning direction III of anexposure machine is parallel with the row direction, mis-alignment oflines may be generated in a direction IV corresponding to the columndirection. Accordingly, the “U” shape of the channel of the TFT 30 ispreferably disposed in the column direction IV normal to the scanningdirection III of the exposure machine to make up the variation of Cgs.

The “U” shape of the channel is not limited to a certain direction indisposition mentioned in the exemplary embodiments, but it may bedisposed in various other directions depending on the scanning directionof the exposure machine.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of a pixel accordingto the present invention. Unlike the gate line 11 in FIG. 6, a gate line11 does not overlap a pixel electrode 40.

The pixel electrode 40 is divided into two pixel electrodes 40 d, 40 e.Each of the two pixel electrodes 40 d, 40 e is applied with a datasignal from each pair of two pairs of TFTs 30 c, 30 d and 30 e, 30 f.The pixel electrode 40 is formed separately from the gate line 11,thereby reducing a load generated in the gate line 11. If the loadgenerated in the gate line 11 is reduced, the aperture ratio isdecreased, yet the charging rate is increased due to the decreases ofCgs. Thus, metal layers are arranged separately from each other, therebyreducing cross-talk.

The pixel 50 is applied with the same data signal by each pair of thepairs of TFTs 30 c, 30 d and 30 e, 30 d respectively connected to eachof the pixel electrodes 40 d, 40 e. Therefore, there is no problem todrive the pixel 50 even if the pixel electrodes 40 d, 40 e arecompletely separated from each other.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the pixel electrodes 40 d, 40e separated from each other across the gate line 11 may be partlyconnected to the gate line 11. The pixel electrodes 40 d, 40 e may beconnected to each other through a bridge electrode or the like, therebyincreasing an area of the pixel electrode 40 to improve the apertureratio.

FIG. 8 is a drawing to illustrate how to drive the LCD of the firstexemplary embodiment according to the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8, the LCD further comprises a gate driver 800, a data driver 700and a controller 900 in addition to a gate line 10 and a data line 20.

The gate driver 800 applies control signals to drive the gate line 10.The gate driver 800 is synchronized with a start signal (STV) and a gateclock (CPV) from the controller 900, thereby applying a gate on voltageto each gate line 10.

The data driver 700 is synchronized with a clock (HCLK), therebyconverting image data signals into corresponding gray scale voltages,then outputting appropriate data signals to each data line 20 accordingto load signals outputted from the controller 900.

The LCD adopts an inversion driving method, which changes polarity ofdata signals applied to the pixel 40 by frames. Generally, dot inversionis frequently used since frame inversion or line inversion generatesimage flickers. The frame inversion changes polarity of data signals byframes, the line inversion changes polarity of data signals by gatelines, and the dot inversion allows adjacent pixels to have differentpolarities.

As shown in FIG. 8, the data driver 700 changes polarity of data signalsevery data line 20. The adjacent data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c disposed ina row direction are applied with different polarities of data signalsfrom one another. Polarities of these data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c arealternated every frame, and polarities of each pixel 40 vary as theframes are alternated. Consequently, the data driver 700 applies thedifferent polarities of data signals to data line 20 line by line, yetit appears that the LCD adopts the dot inversion. Therefore, the imageflickers generated in the line inversion may be solved.

The controller 900 outputs different control signals to drive the gateline 10 and the data line 20, and controls the data driver 700 to applythe different polarities of data signals to every data line 20. The dotinversion is determined according to how the pixel 40 is connected tothe data line 20 and the polarity of data signals applied to the dataline 20, and is used by various combinations. The controller 900 outputsthe different polarities of data signals so that the TFT 30 and the dataline 20 are connected to complete line assembly of a TFT substrate, andthe data driver 700 is controlled to be driven by the dot inversion.

FIG. 9 is a drawing to illustrate how to drive a seventh exemplaryembodiment of an LCD according to the present invention. A pixel 40 ofthe exemplary embodiment is arranged differently from the one shown inFIG. 8. In other words, a position of a TFT 30 connected to a data line20 is changed.

Provided that a plurality of data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c disposed in onepixel 40 are expressed as a first data line 20 a, a second data line 20b, and a third data line 20 c in order, adjacent pixels 40 in a columndirection are sequentially connected to the first data line 20 a, thethird data line 20 c, and the second data line 20 c. The TFTs 30arranged in the aforementioned are applied with one gate signal.

A data driver 700 applies different polarities of data signals to theadjacent data lines 20 a, 20 b, 20 c in a row direction. The seventhexemplary embodiment of FIG. 9 applies signals with the same method asthe first exemplary embodiment, yet the pixels 40 do not operate with1-dot inversion as in the first exemplary embodiment, but with 2-dotinversion that the adjacent two pixels 40 in a column direction have thesame polarities.

As described before, the polarity of the pixel 40 may vary depending onthe arrangement of the TFTs 30. The data driver 700 drives the data line20 with the line inversion, yet it appears to operate with thedot-inversion.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope ofwhich is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A display apparatus comprising: a plurality of pixels arranged in amatrix array; a plurality of gate lines applying the same gate signal toat least two rows of the pixels; a data line crossing the gate lines; aTFT disposed at an intersection of one of the gate lines and the dataline; and a light source part sequentially providing at least two colorsof light to the pixels every frame.
 2. The display apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the plurality of gate lines applying the same gatesignal to the pixels are connected to one another.
 3. The displayapparatus according to claim 1, wherein three rows of the pixels areapplied with the same gate signal.
 4. The display apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein a plurality of data lines are provided in one pixel. 5.The display apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the number of thedata lines in one pixel is the number of the pixels applied with thesame gate signal.
 6. The display apparatus according to claim 4, whereinat least one of the adjacent pixels in a column direction applied withthe same gate signal is connected to a different data line from theothers.
 7. The display apparatus according to claim 4, wherein theadjacent pixels in a column direction applied with the same gate signalare connected to different data lines from one another.
 8. The displayapparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each pixelcomprises a plurality of TFTs.
 9. The display apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein the TFTs are connected to the same data lines.
 10. Thedisplay apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the TFT is provided intwo.
 11. The display apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the TFTsare disposed symmetrically across the data line.
 12. The displayapparatus according to claim 8, wherein the TFTs are disposedsymmetrically across the data line.
 13. The display apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein each of the pixels comprises a pixel electrode andthe data line passing through the pixel.
 14. The display apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein the data line partially overlaps thepixel electrode.
 15. The display apparatus according to claim 14,wherein the data line connected to one pixel does not overlap the pixelelectrode.
 16. The display apparatus according to claim 15, wherein thepixel further comprises at least one or more bridge electrodes, thebridge electrodes connect the pixel electrodes which are separated fromeach other across the data line.
 17. The display apparatus according toclaim 14, wherein the pixel further comprises at least one or morebridge electrodes, the bridge electrodes connect the pixel electrodeswhich are separated from each other across the data line.
 18. Thedisplay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pixel comprises apixel electrode and the gate line passes through the pixel.
 19. Thedisplay apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the pixel comprisesfour TFTs.
 20. The display apparatus according to claim 19, wherein theTFTs are disposed symmetrically across one of the gate lines and thedata line.
 21. The display apparatus according to claim 18, wherein theone of the gate lines partly overlaps the pixel electrode.
 22. Thedisplay apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the one of the gatesline does not overlap the pixel electrode.
 23. The display apparatusaccording to claim 22, wherein each of the pixels further comprises atleast one or more bridge electrodes to connect the pixel electrodeswhich are separated from each other across the gate line.
 24. Thedisplay apparatus according to claim 21, wherein each of the pixelsfurther comprises at least one or more bridge electrodes to connect thepixel electrodes which are separated from each other across the gateline.
 25. The display apparatus according to claim 1, further comprisingan organic layer formed between the data line and the pixel.
 26. Thedisplay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light is three-colorlight and the three colors comprise red, green and blue.
 27. The displayapparatus according to claim 4, wherein a first, a second and a thirddata lines are sequentially provided in one pixel in a row direction,and the adjacent pixels in a column direction are sequentially connectedto the first, the second and the third data lines.
 28. The displayapparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a data driverapplying a data signal to the data line and a controller controlling thedata driver, wherein the controller controls the data driver so thatdifferent polarities of the data signals are applied to the adjacentdata lines in a row direction.
 29. The display apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein a first data line, a second data line and a third dataline are sequentially provided in one pixel in a row direction, and theadjacent pixels in a column direction are sequentially connected to thefirst, the third and the second data lines.
 30. The display apparatusaccording to claim 29, further comprising a data driver applying a datasignal to the data line and a controller controlling the data driver,wherein the controller controls the data driver so that differentpolarities of the data signals are applied to the adjacent data lines ina row direction.